Award-Winning Craft Beer Distributors

A Note from BBC15 Elite Sponsor, National Beer Wholesalers Association

Presenting on Saturday, July 18 at 10:30 AM in an All Attendee Session in the Ballroom

 

America’s 3,300 independent beer distributors work hard to help new brands get to store shelves and bar taps, to market those brands and ensure consumers can choose from a vast selection of beer.

 

The National Beer Wholesalers Association is excited to present a panel of award-winning craft beer distributors to share their perspective on what it takes to build and grow successful craft beer brands that will resonate with consumers in today’s competitive marketplace.

• How do independent distributors select which brands to take on?
• What can a distributor do for a brewer that’s never partnered with a distributor before?
• What are the biggest challenges for the industry as the craft beer market continues to grow and mature?

Because beer distributors work with multiple brands and retail accounts, they are uniquely positioned to answer these questions and offer a broad perspective on all facets of the business.

 

Independent beer distributors service hundreds of different retail accounts, from large chain stores to the corner pub, and they sell a broad portfolio of products – from domestic to imports to regional and local craft beers. They are data-driven companies that know which brands and products are in high demand and can predict future trends in the marketplace. You can often look to beer distributors for an early indication of what products have staying power and may be expanding their distribution to new markets.

 

Let’s meet the panel:

Matt Abdoney –J. J. Taylor Distributing Florida, Inc.(Tampa, FL)

 Matt Abdoney lives in Tampa, Florida, and has worked the past 12 years of his career as a beer distributor entirely focused on growing the craft and specialty import beer category within Florida.

He currently holds the position of craft, specialty, and import, brand & marketing manager for J.J. Taylor Distributing Florida.  In this role, Matt manages the business planning, brand strategy and market development for 43 American craft breweries.

Matt was a charter board member of Tampa Bay Beer Week and assisted in leading J.J. Taylor Distributing Florida to win the 2011 Craft Beer Distributor Achievement Award followed by the 2014 Craft Beer Distributor of the Year Award.

Brad Johnston – Tryon Distributing Co., LLC (Charlotte, NC)

Brad Johnston is the president of Tryon Distributing Company, LLC, a speciality wine and craft beer wholesaler serving all of North Carolina.

Established in 1985, today the company has 266 employees operating out of the main warehouse in Charlotte and branch warehouses in Asheville, Greensboro, Raleigh and Wilmington.

With more than 200 suppliers from around the world, 500 brands and 4,500 line items, the company is the largest craft beer distributor in the state, although wine sales make up about half of revenues.

Robbie Maletis Jr. – Maletis Beverage (Portland, OR)

Robbie Maletis is fourth generation of the Maletis family to work for the Portland based beverage distributor.

In his current role as business analyst, he is responsible for supporting company initiatives related to supplier relationships, retailer management, sales and operation support and future growth planning.

Robbie attended the University of Southern California where he graduated with a degree in Corporate Financial Strategy and Entrepreneurship.  He joined Maletis Beverage full-time in 2013 after working in the finance industry.